Norman B. Schmeltzer

Norman B. Schmeltzer, Jr., 92, a resident of Bettendorf, and a former resident of Moline, passed away on February 21, 2017, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, in Bettendorf, after a brief illness.

Private family services with full military honors have been held along with burial at Moline Memorial Park.  Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Moline where Norm was a member.

Norm was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 11, 1924, the son of Norman B. Schmeltzer and Mabel Schmeltzer (Stephan).  At the age of 18, Norm enlisted in the United States Army and was a veteran of WWll. Norm served in the European Theater, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Norm is survived by Gerda, his beloved wife of 69 years; his children, Norman B. Schmeltzer, III (Jane), Christine Johnson (Bryce), and Kurt Schmeltzer (Roselyn); six grandchildren, Megan, Katie, Tessa, McKenna, Michael and Max; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Howard, and sister, Margaret Ann.

Norm co-owned for 40 years with his brother, Howard, Schmeltzer Food Brokerage, Inc. in Bettendorf.

Norm was raised in the great depression by a single mother.  He never forgot the values of the depression era.  He was a caring and very hard-working man who did business on a handshake.

Norm enjoyed traveling with Gerda, his children and grandchildren, throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Norm especially enjoyed returning to Germany, a country he loved. In younger years, he was a golfer, tennis player and swimmer.  He was an avid reader - particularly of historical works, sports, business and financial publications.  He was also a keen observer of the stock market.

Norm was a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather. Norm was known as a “great kidder” to his family and friends.  He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and his family and friends were the beneficiaries of that humor.  Remember Norm with smiles and laughter.